Hippo (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain everything about hippos, what they eat, where they live and other characteristics. Also, to what extent they are dangerous.

What are hippos?

The hippos are a family of large and heavy mammals, of amphibious life, of which only two species survive today: the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis).

Its name comes from Greek hippos (“horse”) and potamos (“river”), since the ancient Greeks considered it, precisely, a “river horse.” For their part, the ancient Egyptians called them “river pigs” and the Arabs “water buffalo.”

Evolutionarily related to cetaceans (whales), hippos emerged at some point in the Miocene, about 23 million years ago, and proliferated throughout Eurasia, in numerous species of which fossil remains remain in abundance.

Its population has continuously decreased with the passage of time, to the point that in human antiquity they were abundant in the Iberian Peninsula, Palestine and Lower Egypt, while today they have a much more restricted habitat.

Hippos are aggressive and territorial animals, alien to domestication, but at the same time they are a common presence in zoos around the world. Its contact with human beings is not very close, and in the imagination of many cultures it was associated with motherhood and family; For example, in ancient Egyptian culture it was considered a sacred animal of Taweret, goddess of female fertility.

Characteristics of hippos

hippopotamus characteristics — Hippos can spend up to 5 minutes underwater holding their breath.

Hippos are characterized by the following:

are large, quadrupedal animals with a stocky, barrel-shaped body, and a large head with a wide mouth and thick snout. They have smooth, hairless skin, which lacks sebaceous glands, so they dehydrate easily outside of water.
An adult common hippopotamus It can measure up to 3.5 meters in length and weigh between 1.4 and 3.2 tons and commonly spends 16 hours a day submerged in rivers, lakes and other bodies of water, as their eyes and nostrils located on the top of their head allow it. Then they go out to graze on dry land after sunset.
are excellent swimmers capable of spending up to 5 minutes underwater while holding their breath, and can also run short distances at speeds close to 30 kmph.
Their secretions are sweaty and their breast milk is reddish in color due to the presence of certain natural pigments, which has given rise to the myth that hippos “sweat blood.”
When you yawn, a warning signal to your potential rivals, Its jaw can open up to 150° showing off his big, thick teeth. Their incisors and canines grow throughout life, while their molars are suitable for grinding dietary plant fiber.
are very aggressive and territorial animals which is grouped in herds of between 20 and 100 individuals, within which confrontations between the males are common and violent. The species communicates through smell and through grunts, hisses and snorts.

Where do hippos live?

The hippos They live in rivers, lakes, lagoons and bodies of fresh water that allow them to be submerged all day. This way they protect themselves from the drying action of the sun, and also by covering themselves with a layer of mud that blocks solar radiation. Regarding its geographical distribution, almost all are found in sub-Saharan Africa in the eastern, central and southern regions.

What do hippos eat?

The hippos are herbivores, but they do not become true ruminants. They eat short grasses, plants and fruits, and can ingest up to 35 kg of plant matter per day. In adverse situations or in the face of a specific lack of nutrients, it is possible that they consume animal organic matter, whether it is some type of fish or some carrion. But those attitudes are rather strange.

How do hippos reproduce?

hippopotamus reproduction — Hippos nurse their young with pigmented, reddish milk.

Like all mammals, hippos reproduce sexually and viviparously, with a gestational period of 8 months and they have a baby every two years. Fights between males for the right to the female are common and violent.

For its part, birth occurs in or out of water, depending on the species, and the babies are breastfed with pigmented, reddish milk. One in every 200 hippo births brings twins into the world.

How long do hippos live?

The life expectancy of a hippopotamus around 40 to 50 years old.

How dangerous are hippos?

Hippos are very aggressive animals, considered among the most dangerous in Africa. In fact, tend to cause more fatal accidents per year than other local species, even predators.

They are not at all shy when it comes to defending their territory, and they are not exactly friendly neighbors with other species, especially when they are in the water or when it comes to females with young. Thus, they are capable of overturning small boats, attacking land vehicles or unsuspecting swimmers.

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